Introduction to Science Communication and Public Engagement

Openness, transparency and the ability to communicate with diverse audiences inside and outside academia are key competences in research and innovation. Transferrable skills in the areas of science communication and public engagement are increasingly relevant for academic and non-academic career paths, as well as for the acquisition of national and international funding. The workshop will introduce science communication and public engagement as collaborative ways to transfer research knowledge to society and to engage members of the public with the design, conduct and dissemination of research. The interactive workshop invites early career researchers to gain practical skills in science communication and public engagement.

Topics covered in the workshop include:

• basic understandings of research with and for society
• reflecting roles and responsibilities of researchers
• from information to collaboration: ways to engage multiple publics with research
• developing concepts and first strategies for your research projects
• discussing benefits and challenges associated with science communication

Learning Outcomes - Participants will:

• learn about current developments in science communication and public engagement
• identify potential target groups of their research
• learn how to plan strategic communication and engagement activities related to their research topic
• develop skills and get to know concrete tools for clearly communicating their research to target audiences and potential stakeholders

About the Trainer

With a background in astrophysics and communication design, Dr. Annika Kreikenbohm bridges both worlds and shares her experience with young researchers through seminars and workshops. In her role as an innovation consultant at the University of Würzburg and as a freelance lecturer and moderator, Annika Kreikenbohm brings many years of experience in designing, delivering, and facilitating target group-oriented workshops and training sessions. As an independent science communicator and designer, she has been creating visualizations and interactive virtual worlds around scientific topics for nearly five years, making complex content accessible and engaging. Her work has received multiple awards, including the IIID Award for innovative data visualizations in the field of communication and research.